Transfer old analog HI8 video tapes to a 2019 iMac

Hi,

If your camcorder has RCA output ports, RCA to HDMI adapter and HDMI to USB-C adapter connection should works.

https://www.amazon.com/GANA-Composite-Converter-Adapter-Supporting/dp/B01L8GG6PW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=analog+RCA+jack+to+USB+converter&qid=1578806338&sr=8-4

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HKQ22ZM/A/belkin-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter?fnode=8b

Rather than trying to daisy chain the live video from the Hi8 while it is playing to the miniDV to the iMac, I would suggest tackling one step at a time. Maybe experiment with a short minute or two clip to see if the process works.

First just play the video file on the Hi8 and run the output to the input on the miniDV.

When you have the video file on the miniDV, can't you just import the digital movie files via the camera's USB connection into the iMac into an iMovie or Final Cut project?

You are quite right, Glen Doggett. According to Sony, Swisscheese01's newer camcorder will play Hi8 tapes just fine. so you'd need a Sony iLink 4 pin cable to 6-8 pin firewire, and the Firewire/thunderbolt adapter. then iMovie. The camcorder has to be in VTR/ PLAY-EDIT mode, too. Put the tape in the camcorder, click on import in Final Cut Plus/iMovie , and it starts getting the video. All this happens in real time, of course, so an hour long tape will need 1 hour. And of course, you'll need to connect the iLink cable to the firewire/ thunderbolt adapter, and to the iMac as well. The newer Camcorder (DCR-PC330 is Digital8, so it will do 8mm and Hi8 tapes no problem and I guess MiniDV ??

anyways, give it a try, as you suggested, with a minute or two clip to see if it actually works.

john b

It should, but half the time multiple cable converters do not.

Great to hear! :)